RYAN Muir is enjoying his cricket as much as ever, and it’s being reflected in his excellent form with the ball.
The Irymple fast bowler is equal second in the SCA for wickets taken with 12 in his first five games, just one scalp behind the league leaders.
After three seasons of almost exclusively Second Division cricket, the 37-year-old said everything had been clicking so far.
“The ball is just coming out nicely so far and the body has been holding up pretty well,” he said.
“I had a couple of years back in the twos when I couldn’t really train as much and wasn’t as fit as I needed to be. It’s been a bit of hard work but I’ve really been enjoying my cricket so far this season.
“I think the fact I’m 37 now means there’s a constant reminder from my body that I’m not a young man anymore. Monday to Wednesday, the body definitely takes a while to get back to normal, but it also provides a good bit of banter with some of the younger blokes.”
The Swallows bowling depth is arguably their greatest asset in 2022/23, with Muir, skipper Mark Thomson, Dom Price, Jarrad Armsden, Bailey Anderson, Billy Phelan, Jed Connelly and Chase Stone playing games across the top two divisions.
A delayed start to the season from Thomson and the loss of Luke Collett from last year opened the door for Muir (18 Second Division wickets last year) and Price (20) an opportunity in First Division so far. Price is just behind Muir with 11 wickets so far.
“I think it does throw a fair bit at the boys at the moment. We’re lucky to have some really good bowlers in the senior grades which I think helps push us all a little bit more,” Muir said.
“‘Thommo’ is great to work with in terms of putting plans together so that allows me just to focus on the delivery.
“It’s been a good combination so far especially with him opening the bowling at the other end. I think we’ve worked well together so far and with a few other senior heads within the side, it feels like everything is going in the right direction.
“We’re all pretty excited with how things are progressing. It’s a really good core group of senior players across first and second division, and even in thirds as well, and the fact we’ve played together for so long feels like it makes a difference.”
Muir is expecting a quality contest when his side hosts Nichols Point this round.
